SKYBOY 


A   PLAY    FOR   LITTLE  FOLKS 


BY 

GERTRUDE   KNEVELS 


PUBLISHED  BY 

HE  CAMP  FIRE  OUTFITTING  CO. 

17-19    WEST    17th    STREET 
NEW    YORK 


Copyright  1915 
*  Camp  Fire  Outfitting  Co. 


SKYBOY 


A    PLAY    FOR    LITTLE    BOYS    AND    GIRLS    WITH 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  COSTUMES 

AND  DANCES 


By  GERTRUDE  KNEVELS 


PUBLISHED  BY 

THE  CAMP  FIRE  OUTFITTING  CO. 

17-19    WEST    17th    STREET 
NEW    YORK 


^x 


SXIBOY 

Characters : 

Mother  Bluebird 
Father  Bluebird 
Skyboy,  their  eldest  son 
Featherkin      x 

Rufflekin          I  T 

y  ^  ery  young  Bluebirds  : 
Pufflekin  f 

Plumpy 

Jack  Sparrow 

Gobbler     , 

Guzzler      I 

\      Four  Naughty  Sparrows; 
Snatcher  r 

Squeak      ' 
Cock  Robin 
Jenny  Wren 
Judge  Owl 

If  it  is  desired  to  provide  parts  for  a  larger  number  of 
players  than  is  here  indicated,  other  bluebirds  or  bird  neigh- 
bors, may  accompany  Mother  Bluebird  on  nor  second  en- 
trance, and  join  in  dance  at  close  of  play. 


COSTUMES    FOR    THE    PLAY 

Plan  No.  1.  If  time  and  expense  must  be  closely  econ- 
omized, let  the  children  who  take  the  parts  of  bluebirds 
wear  the  regular  dress  of  the  Bluebird  organizaton.  In  this 
ease  the  costumes  of  Cock  Robin.  Jenny  Wren,  Judge  Owl, 
and  the  Sparrows  should  be  made  on  the  same  general  lines. 
For  the  coloring  of  these  last  consult  the  illustrations  in 
any  good  bird  book.  (See  Reed's  Bird  Guide,  Part  2.) 

Proportion,  must,  of  course,  b<»  considered  ;  that  is  the 
part  of  Judge  Owl  should  be  taken  by  the  tallest  of  the 
children.  He  should  have  a  curved  beak  and  large  round 
eyes  made  by  pasting  a.  circle  of  y-eliow  paper  on  &  circle  of 

2 


SKYP»OY 

black.  Eyes  and  beak  can  he  attached  to  his  helmet  cap. 
The  feathers  on  his  grayish'  brown  dr-v,-;  should  be  cut 
square  or'  rounded,  on  the  ends,  not  pointed.  Kobin  Red- 
breast must  be  stuffed  to  look  very  fat.  Jenny  Wren  should 
be  small,  sliru,  and  dainty.  The  sparrows,  Jack  in  particular, 
are  hold,  swaggering  feliows.  their  feathers  ruffled  and 
untidy, 

Plan  No.  2.  In  case  a  closer  illusion  is  desired,  costumes 
on  the  lines  of  tlte  cuts  furnished  can  be  made  at  small  ex- 
pense. The  material  may  be  cotton  flannel  or  a  like  material 
and  the  suits  made  on  the  order  of  rompers  -  reaching  from 
neck  to  knee.  If  preferred,  tunics  can  be  worn  over  knicker- 
bockers. In  either  case  the  suits  should  be  of  the  bird's 
characteristic  colors,  the  feathers  'sewed  on  ;:s  they  are  on 
the  Bluebird  dress.  Helmet  shaped  hoods  are  worn.  It 
is  suggested  that  trousers  may  .give  a  more  bird-like  effect 
than  skirts,  especially  when  a  tail,  carefully  shaped  and 
heavily  wired,  is  attached  to  the  waist  at  hack.  Stocking^ 
and  slippers  of  same  color  as  dress  should  br-»  worn,  the 
toes  of  slippers  may  be  covered  with  cloth  »^\l  wired  out 
in  sliM.rp  points. 


HOPPING    DANCE 
Accompanying  song,  "Hippy,  hoppy,  hippy  hop"  Page  4. 

In  varying  or  elaborating  this  simple  little  drtnee  to  suit 
individual  taste,  it  need  only,  bo  remembered  that  real  blue- 
birds hop  on  both  feet  like  robins,  and  do  not  walk  like 
starlings.  If  all  the  children  who  take  part  in  the  play 
will  study  the  birds  they  are  to  impersonate  before  coming 
to  rehearsal,  their  pleasure  in  the  work  and  tbe  educational 
benefit  they  derive  from  it  will  be  greatly  increased. 

Directions  for  Dance  and  Song.    Tune— "Yankee  Doodle." 

On  rise  of  curtain,  Featherkm,  Rufflekin,  Puff!  >kin  and 
Plumpy,  the  four  little  bluebirds,  are  seen  standing  side  by 
side,  facing  the  audience. 

Verse  1 While  singing  first  line,  all  hop  forward  on  both 
feet,  4  hops.  2nd  line  sung  standing  still.  '  3rd  line;  Each 

335172 


SKYBOY 

bird  hops  round  in  place;  4  hops,  facing  audience  oil  4th 
count.  4th  line  sung  standing  still. 

Verse  2 — 1st  line  sung  standing  still,  all  bow  on  last  word. 
2nd  line :  All  raise  and  lower  wings  in  "flying"  motion, 
bending  twice  to  right,  twice  to  left.  3rd  line  sung  standing 
still  until  word  "hop"  when  all  hop  forward  once.  4th  line 
sung  standing  still. 

Verse  3 — 1st  line,  hop  backward  on  ;  both  feet  4  hops. 
Rest  same  as  first  verse  except  that  all  bow  low  on  last 
word  and  hop  once  in  place.  While  music  continues, 
birds  face  left  and  follow  leader  round  in  circle  4  hops. 
Turn  quickly,  4  hops  to  right.  Face  in.  4  hops  in,  4  hops 
back.  Each  hops  4  times  round  in  place.  Face  right.  4 
hops  etc.  Repeat,  if  desired.  Break  circle  and  go  to  meet 
Mother  Bluebird. 


SKYBOY 

TIME  :   Afternoon  *in  Birdland. 

SCENE :  Any  simple  outdoor  setting — a  green  lawn  or  bit 
of  garden  with  hedge  in  background.  Entrances  between 
bushes  at  right  and  left.  At  rise  of  curtain,  Featherkin, 
Rufflekin,  Pufflekin  and  Plumpy,  the  four  small  Blue- 
birds, are  seen  side  by  side,  facing  audience.  They  hop 
forward  as  they  sing.  See  description  Hopping  Dance. 
Music,  "Yankee  Doodle." 
Young  Birds  sing: 

Hippy,  hoppy,  hippy,  hop ! 
Hopping  is  such  fun-oh ! 
Hopping's  very  hard  to  stop 
When  once  you  have  begun-oh ! 

Happy  baby  birds  are  we, 
Some  day  we  will  fly-oh ! 
Now  we'd  rather  hop,  you  see, 
While  our  dear  Mother's  by-oh ! 

Hippy,  hoppy,  hippy,  hop ! 
Hopping  is  such  fun-oh ! 

4; 


SKYBOY 

Hopping's  very  hard  to  stop 
When  once  you  have  begun-oh  ! 

(Enter  Mother  Bluebird.     Small  birds  break  circle  and 
flutter  toward  her.     She  takes  centre  of  stage.) 
Young  Birds :   Oh  Mother,  Mother  Bluebird  ! 
Mother  B.    Children  dear  !— 

I'm  going  now  to  hunt  for  food, 
Stay  here  and  promise  to  be  good. 
Featherkin :    (coaxingly)     Please   take    us     with     you, 

Mother,  please ! 

Mother  B.     No,  you're  too  little,  dears,  don't  tease. 
Rufflekin  :    Oh  Mother,  Mother,  don't  say  that — 
Pufflekin:    Such  tales  you've  told  of  TOMMY-CAT— 
Plumpy :    And  what  if  naughty  birds  annoy? 

Who'll  help  us  then? 
Mother  B.    Skyboy !     (she  goes  toward   R.   and   calls) 

Skyboy! 

(Bluebird  note  is  heard  answering  faintly  in  distance.) 
Mother  B.   (proudly)    He  comes!  Your  brother's  voice 

I've  heard, 

No  cruel  cat  or  stranger  bird 
Will  dare  my  little  ones  annoy 
While  he  is  near. 

( Note  repeated  close  by,  clearly  and  loudly.  The  bluebird 
notes  and  other  bird  calls  throughout  play  should  be  very 
carefully  imitated  by  some  person  who  understands  them 
thoroughly. ) 

Young  birds  :   Welcome,  Skyboy  ! 

(Skyboy  "flies"  in,  fluttering  and  circling  about  stage 
once  or  twice,  then  pausing  centre-front  to  speak.  His  wing 
movements  illustrate  speech,  every  motion  being  proud  and 
joyous. ) 

Skyboy  :     Joy  !  Joy  !  Joy  ! 

Well  have  you  named  me  Skyboy. 
High,  high,  high! 
Up  to  the   roof  of  the   sky, 
Up,  up,  on  without  rest, 
5 


SKYBOY 

Then  down,  down  to  my  nest— 

Homeward  I  fly ! 
Mother  B.   Oh  rash,  so  rash,  dear  foolish  one, 

My  bold  Skyboy,  my  fearless  son ! 

Brave  wings  rise  high,  yet  I  confess 

Such  flights  your  mother's  heart  distress. 

In  my  low  nest  you  had  your  birth, 

True  happiness  lies  close  to  earth. 

Now  rest,  and  while  I'm  gone  take  care 

Of  these,  my  little  ones.    Beware 

All  dangers,   Skyboy.     Do  not  stray! 

From  naughty  Sparrows  keep  away! 

Watch  close  lest  any  harm  come  near— 
Skyboy    (impatiently) — Dear  foolish   Mother,   have   no 
fear, 

For  surely  you  must  understand, 

No  harm  could  come  when  I'm  at  hand ! 
Mother  B.    Then  I'll  be  off— (hurries  off  R.)  Goodby  !— 
Young  .Birds  : — Goodby  ! 
Skyboy  (sulkily)    Not  meant  for  fledgling's  nurse  was  I ! 

If  in  this  stupid  place  I  stay, 

I'll  call  my  friends  to  come  and  play. 
Featherkin  :  (hopping  to  left  and  cocking  head  to  listen) 

Call  Jenny  Wren !  On  yonder  bough 

Her  pretty  song  she's  singing  now ! 

(Loud  joyous  note  of  house-wren  is  heard  outside,  several 
times    repeated. ) 

Skyboy :    I  will  not  play  with  Jenny  Wren, 

She's  stupid  as  a  barnyard  hen ! 

In  box  or  blind  she  builds  her  nest, 

Such  homely  ways  I  do  detest. 
Pufflekin :  (hopping  to  right,  and  cocking  head  to  listen) 

Dear  Robin  Red-breast — hear  his  c^!! 

The  gayest,  bravest  bird  of  all. 

(All  listen.    Cheery  note  of  Robin  is  heard,  several  times 
repeated. ) 

Skyboy :  That  greedy  bird's  too  fat  to  play — 

His  weight  he  eats  ten  times  a  day ! 
6 


SKYBOY 

(Sparrow's  loud  cheeping  heard  outside.) 

No,  no — ah,  swift  as  darting  arrow — 
Who  comes  this  way?    My  chum — Jack  Sparrow ! 
(Enter  Jack  Sparrow,  swaggering  and  cheeping  loudly.) 
Rufflekin     (reproachfully)     But,     Brother,     what     did 

Mother  say? 
Three  Young  Birds   (solenily) 

"From  naughty  Sparrows  keep  away!" 
Skyboy  :  But  Jack's  my  friend  !  Ah  Jack, — 
Jack:  (loudly) — Good  day! 

Skyboy    (enviously)    Dear   me,    what    pleasant    things 
\ve'd  do, 

If  I   were  free  to  fly  like  you. 
Jack :     Not  free  to  fly  ?     What  keeps  you  here  ? 
Skyboy :    I  have  to  watch  lest  harm  come  near 
These  children.    Mother  said  to  stay 
Till  she  returns  at  close  of  day. 

Jack    (strutting  to  and  fro  across  stage  and  mocking 
Skyboy. ) 

"His  Mother  said" — upon  my  word — 
Ha,  ha  !    This  good  obedient  bird, 
Skyboy,  stays  home  and  minds  his  mother ! 
Plays  nurse  to  sister  and  to  brother, 
While  Jolly  Jack  can  sport  and  play ! 
See,   Stupid,  see — I'll  chase  away 
These  gaping  babies.     Ha,   what  fun — 
Too  young  to  fly — too  weak  to  run ! 
(He   pecks    savagely   at    young   birds    and    chases    them 
around  stage.    They  hide  behind  Skyboy  who  spreads  wings 
in  front  of  them.) 

Skyboy :    Stop,  stop,  you  shall  not  hurt  them.     No ! 

Go — or  I'll  call  my  Mother — Go  ! 
Jack  (mocking  him)  Yes,  call  your  mother,  Baby — do! 

From  miles  away  she'll  answer  you. 
(Pecks  at  Skyboy.) 

Skyboy  (drooping  wing)  Oh,  oh,  I'm  wounded! 
Featherkin— 

Run  children,   run — call  Robin  in. 
7 


SKYBOY 

(Small  birds  go  out.) 

The  wrens  will  help— Make  haste — 
Jack :  —Ho,  ho  ! 

Yes,   help   is   needed,   babies,   go ! 
(To  Skyboy) 

Both  Wren  and  Robin  overheard 
Your  rude  remarks,  you  silly  bird ! 
They  will  not  come.     Good  friends  have  I — 
Ho,   Sparrows,  brother-rascals,   fly — 
Ho,   Gobbler,   Guzzler,    Snatcher,    Squeak — 
Come  help  me  now  with  claws  and  beak, 
We'll  tear  his  heart  out,  you  and  I — 
Skyboy  must  die — Skyboy  must  die'! 
( Loud  noise  of  cheeping  outside.    Enter  Gobbler,  Guzzler, 
Snatcher  and   Squeak  who  fuss  and  flutter;  about   Skyboy 
without  daring  to  get  within  reach  of  his  beak.) 

Gobbler:    What   is   it,    Friend   Jack?    Ah- -a    Bluebird 

to  kill! 

Guzzler  :  Of  fighting  and  mischief  we'll  all  have  our  fill ! 
Jack    (standing  back)    Quick,  at  him,   Gobbler !   Strike 
him,  Squeak! 

One  blow  will  do  from  your  sharp  beak ! 
Squeak  (turning  on  Jack)   From  mine,  yes,  mine — 
That's  very  fine — 
While  you,  Friend  Jack, 
Will  turn  your  back ! 
Jack   (to  others)   Who'll  lead  the  way? 
Snatch  :    Not  I  today  ! 
Guzzler :    What's  that  I  hear? 
Gobbler :    His  friends  are  near — : 
Squeak:   Quick— let's  away  !  (they  hurry  off  L.) 
Jack:    Stay,  cowards,  stay! 

(He  tries  to  escape  also  but  is  held  back  by  Skyboy- 
Bird  notes  heard  close  at  hand  from  right.  Enter  hurriedly 
Mother  Bluebird,  Father  B.  the  young  birds,  Jenny  Wren, 
and  Cock  Robin.  Jack  Sparrow  is  caught  and  held  between. 
Father  B.  and  Cock  Robin.) 

8  . 


SKYBOY 

Father  B.     To  late,  Jack   Sparrow!    (to  Robin)    Hold 

him  fast! 

Mother  B.    Skyboy,  iny  son,  you're  safe  at  last ! 
Skyboy:  (drooping  head  and  looking  much  ashamed.) 
Oh  Mother,  Father,  neighbors  kind, 
This  was  my  fault.     I  would  not  mind. 
Your  warnings  wise  I  did  not  heed; 
But  I  am  punished — yes,  indeed  !   (shows  wing) 
Robin  :.  Cheer  up !    This  wounded  wing  will  mend 

As  quickly  as  your  manners,  Friend  ! 
Wren :    Don't  scold,  Cock  Robin ;  pray,  don't  tease ! 
Now,  neighbors,  let's  consider,  please, 
What  shall  be  done  with  Jacky  here? — 
Father  B.     Judge  Owl  will  try  his  case,  don't  fear ! 
The  Birds  :    Judge  Owl !    Judge  Owl !    Judge  Owl ! 
(The  call  is  answered  by  solemn  "Who?    Who?"  of  Owl 
outside.     Enter  Judge  Owl  from  right.     He  is  very  solemn 
and  dignified.     Birds  bow  low  and   allow  him  to  pass  to 
front.) 

Judge  Owl :  Well,  here  am  I  this  case  to  try, 

Pray  trot  your  Prisoner  out,   Sirs. 
What  has  he  done?     Speak,  one  by  one! 
What's  all  this  fuss  about,  Sirs? 

Mother  B  :  I'll,  be  first  witness,  hear  me  speak — 
My  baby  birds,  my  fledgings  weak, 
'Ere  I  had  scarcely  turned  my  back, 
This    rascal    sparrow   did    attack ! 

Robin:    Worse  yet,  the  sparrow-folk  increase 
S6  fast  we  singers  have  no  peace. 
The  food  our  kindly  Brother  Man 
Spreads  day  by  day  for  us  we  can 
But  rarely  reach.     These  robbers  come 
And  steal  it  all — yes,  every  crumb ! 

Jenny  Wren :   In  towns  Jack  Sparrow  used  to  dwell. 
His  ugly  coat  is  suited  well 
To  dust  and  dirt.     Now  with  alarm 
Wo  see  his  folk  crowd  field  and  farm. 
9 


SKYJ'.OY 

With  thieving,  fighting,  noise,  and  fuss 

No  joy  in  life  they  leave  to  us! 
Judge  Owl   (very  solemnly  to  Jack  Sparrow) 

From  all   I    hear,  I  sadly  fear 
Your  latest  song  is  sung.  Sir. 

What  friend  will  plead  in  your  sad  need? 

No,  .Trick — you  shall  be  hung,  Sir! 

J;;ek  .(appealing   to   birds)    What?     Robin   Red-breast? 
'Jenny  WrenV 

Will  no  bird  speak?     Must  I  die,  then? 
Sky  boy   (coming  forward  ) 

I'll  spenk,   I  11  help,  indeed  I  will! 

Jack   Sparrow   did   not   mean  to  -kill 

•  His  .friend.   Skyboy  !     Now,  while  I  tell 

Of  things  that    long  ago  befell, 

Have  patience,  friends  and  neighbors,  do. 

The  story  I'll   relate  to  you, 

Grandfather  Eagle  who's  so  old 

Tc.  me  has  very  often  told. 

Fn  eigh  teen-fifty — long  ago — 

A  pest  of  worms  plagued  Mankind  so — 

Worms  swarmed  each  tree  and  ate  each  leaf,. 

The  thing  was  almost  past  belief ! 

Man  called  the  birds,  but  those  who  flew 

To  help  were  all — alas— too  few ; 

And  some  rejoiced,  and  would  not  aid, 

Thinking  Man's  crimes  to  birds  repaid. 

Imt  Man  is  wise  as  well  as  strong, 

That  pest  he  did  not  suffer  long. 

From  England,  far  across  the  sea, 

He  fetched  a  tiny  bird  to  be 

The  death  of  wicked  worms.     Now  guess — 

That  bird  was  named- 
Birds  in  chorus  : — Jack  Sparrow  ! — 

Skyboy  :    Yes  ! — 

The  Great-Grandfather  of  poor  Jack 
Whose  crimes  today  we  paint  so  black. 
Though  Man  hates  Jack,  his  debt  forgot, 
10 


SKYBOY    '••*  •  '•  •      •    • 

B  •  ^ 

Let  birds  be  merciful,  aM  nt*t  ^     ;.!•"•    •  :•;  J\S  ?  ,* 
Deprive  him  of  his  life—"*    '***' 

Robin:     What,  what— 

You'd  let  him  go? 
Jack   (appealingly)    Yes,  yes! 
Several   birds  : — Not   so  ! — 
Judge  Owl  (sternly)  Silence,  I  say!  Enough,  today— 

My  sentence  I  will  give  now — 

If  far  away,  Jack,  you  will  stay, 

We'll  kindly  let  you  live  now. 

Remember,  should  the  Sparrow  brood 

The  Singing  Birds  annoy,   Sir, 

Friend  Man  and  we  their  death  will  be — 

Your  life  you  owe  Skyboy,  Sir ! 
(Judge  Owl  bows  to  Skyboy.) 

Jack   (joyfully)   I  will  be  good,  I'll  go,  I'll  go, 

Pray  let  rne  loose !  I'm  free — ho,  ho ! 
(As  they  free  him,  he  flutters  off  right,  then  stops  and 
looks  back  at  Skyboy.) 

Jack :     Farewell,   Skyboy,  no  more  you'll  see 
Your   naughty   friend   on  bush   or  tree. 
Though  far  away  Jack  Sparrow  stays, 
He'll  not  forget  you  all  his  days ! 

Skyboy  :    Goodbye  !  I'll  think  of  you — ah  yes  ! 
<Jack  goes  out.) 

Father  B  :    Come.   Friends,  we've  had  enough,  I  guess 
Of  care  and  sadness.     Let's  rejoice ! 

Robin :     Yes,  let  us  dance !    All  birds  make  choice' 

Of   partners.     Jenny,    I'll   choose    you.     (bows    to 
Wren. ) 

Jenny  Wren:   (returning  bow) 

First,  aears,  a  merry  thing  we'll  do ; 
A  circle  we  will  form — just  so  (birds  form  circle.) 
Now  in  the  middle  who  shall  go? 
What  bird's  our  pride?     What  bird's  our  joy? 
Whom   shall  wre  choose? — 
11 


SKYBOY 

SI-1  y boy/!    Skfvboy !    (Skyboy   enters  circle.     All 
birds   bow'  low!) 
Birds  :    Yes,  now  we'll  dance,  and  sing  our  joy ! 

Skyboy's  our  King — Skyboy!   Skyboy! 
(All  birds  dance  merrily  round  Skyboy.     Music — "Yankee 
Doodle.") 


CURTAIN. 


12 


Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 

Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
PAT,  JAN.  21, 1908 


3  06612 

^VUtx-v-t 


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